This dive site, St Anne Marine National Park, holds historical significance as the South Western Indian Ocean’s first marine protected area, established in 1973. It encompasses a cluster of six islands located just 5 kilometers from Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. Accessible exclusively by boat, the park boasts a unique concentration of underwater ecosystems, featuring extensive coral gardens and one of the largest seagrass meadows in the granitic bank of Seychelles.
Divers and snorkelers in the warm, clear waters can encounter a wide variety of fish species. The park is particularly renowned for its regular visitors, including majestic manta rays. Beyond these large pelagics, the vibrant coral gardens host a plethora of smaller reef fish and invertebrates, while the expansive seagrass beds provide crucial habitat for numerous marine creatures, enhancing the biodiversity.
The best time to visit for observing manta rays is from April to December, when they are regular visitors to the area. With a maximum depth of 8 meters and an average depth of 4 meters, St Anne Marine Park is ideally suited for all levels of divers, especially beginners, and is a prime location for snorkeling and freediving due to its shallow, rich waters.
